Wood, a fundamental material, typically appears in shades of brown or tan. Yet, nature occasionally crafts wood with vibrant colors. These hues make certain timber types highly sought after for their unique aesthetic appeal.
Identifying Purple Wood
The wood recognized for its striking purple color is commonly called Purpleheart. This timber originates from trees of the Peltogyne genus, over 20 species. These trees are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, spanning from Mexico down to southern Brazil. When initially cut, Purpleheart wood often displays a dull grayish-brown or purplish-brown hue. However, upon exposure to air and light, it begins its remarkable transformation into a vibrant purple.
The Natural Color Transformation
The distinctive purple color of Purpleheart wood develops through a chemical process known as oxidation. When the wood’s surface is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and oxygen, natural compounds within the wood react. This reaction causes the color to deepen into a vibrant purple, often within a few days of exposure. The spectrum of purple can range from a reddish-purple to a deep violet, depending on the Peltogyne species and environmental factors. Over prolonged periods, especially with continued exposure to UV light, the vibrant purple can eventually darken further, transitioning to a deep brownish-purple or even a dark brown.
Characteristics and Practical Uses
Beyond its unique coloration, Purpleheart wood is valued for its physical properties. It is renowned for its density and hardness, with a Janka hardness rating of around 2,520 lbf. This makes it one of the hardest woods available, often compared to ironwood. Its density and resistance to decay and insect attacks contribute to its durability, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Working with Purpleheart can be challenging due to its hardness, as it can dull cutting tools and, if heated, may exude a gummy resin. Despite these challenges, its strength and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for various uses. Common applications include flooring, decking, heavy construction, and boatbuilding, where its durability is beneficial. It is also frequently used in fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items where its unique color is a primary design element.
Keeping the Purple Alive
Maintaining Purpleheart wood’s vibrant purple color requires care due to its susceptibility to color change from environmental factors. The main factor causing the wood to darken and turn brown is prolonged UV light exposure. To preserve the vivid purple, minimize direct sunlight exposure for finished pieces, especially indoors.
Applying finishes that contain UV inhibitors, such as clear coats or oils, can slow down the oxidation process. While these finishes help protect the color, they do not halt the process completely. If the wood has started to brown, light sanding can expose the fresh, purple wood underneath. However, re-exposure to light and air will restart the oxidation, causing the color to deepen and darken again.